Waddington International Air Show cancelled for good as “security threats” increase

The RAF has confirmed that Waddington International Air Show, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the region to the base, will not return as “security threats” increase
Two Tornado GR4s at a previous Waddington AirshowTwo Tornado GR4s at a previous Waddington Airshow
Two Tornado GR4s at a previous Waddington Airshow

The show was mothballed this year as £35million worth of runway maintenance took priority.

Waddington International Air Show was due to return in 2016, but it now looks as though it is gone for good, although there is the possibility a similar show could be staged at nearby RAF Scampton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A statement from the RAF said: “The RAF appreciates that the cancellation of the air show at RAF Waddington will be a disappointment to many.

“However it is hoped that the intent to establish an alternative air show at RAF Scampton is evidence of the RAF’s commitment to maintain its traditional and modern links to ‘Bomber County’.”

Karl McCartney, MP for Lincoln, said: “Whilst I understand that operational activity and increased security threats have raised the risk of hosting a major public event at RAF Waddington in my Constituency, I’m naturally extremely disappointed by the decision of the Air Force Board Standing Committee who’ve decided that no further air shows will be hosted at the Station.

“Of course, this very sad news is tempered by the plans for a similar event to be hosted at RAF Scampton in due course.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In the run up to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, it is important to all of us in Bomber (and Fighter) County that we retain an International Air Show very close to its original home just north of Lincoln in Scampton, the home of the Red Arrows, and that the RAF intends to maintain its traditional and modern links to Lincolnshire.

“Maybe now the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will relocate to the same base too.”

Related topics: